How playing video games could get you a better job

2 min

Image copyrightEpic GamesImage caption If you’re a hit at playing Fortnite, why not add that skill to your CV?

The gaming industry is larger than films and music combined, yet few of us are likely to put our Fortnite playing achievements on our CVs. But why not? Businesses are waking up to the skills gamers can bring to the workplace.

One start-up is convinced that the skills learned playing games – hard-won through years of training and battle – can be applied to real-life work situations.

And Game Academy reckons its belief is backed up by hard data.

Do you enjoy unusual puzzle games like Portal, or tower defence games like Defense Grid? The team has found that IT workers play those more than average.

But if you prefer Civilization, Total War, or X-Com, where strategy and resource management are key, then you might have more in common with managers.

Game Academy’s idea is simple: analyse gamers’ habits from their online gaming profile, and offer courses in valuable skills that reflect their aptitudes – skills they can practise and refine in-game.

And there is already a growing acceptance that gaming skills are transferable.

Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption The stereotype of the antisocial gamer is being challenged by new evidence

Even the military is hiring gamers.

“The ability to assimilate information, react swiftly and co-ordinate actions whilst remaining calm under pressure are often attributes of people that are good at gaming,” a Royal Air Force spokesperson tells the BBC.

Those skills are part of what the RAF is looking for “in a variety of roles”.

“Skills acquired through gaming can be very relevant to certain areas.”

“There are plenty of soft skills that gamers can utilise in a professional setting, such as teamwork, problem solving and strategic planning,” says Ryan Gardner, a regional director with Hays recruitment.

But does that really mean your top 100 ranking in Overwatch should go down on your CV?

“It’s about how you either make it relevant to the job you are applying for, or how it makes you more interesting as a potential employee,” Mr Gardner says.

Two years ago, a Glasgow University study made headlines for suggesting gaming could make students more successful.

“We see gameplay as a resource of talent,” says co-founder David Barrie. “Social talent, competitiveness, or strategic talent.”

“Why can’t we put on our CVs our gaming victories and achievements?” he asks. “If they say they want leadership – why can’t I point to my years of leading World of Warcraft raids?”

There are already plenty of gamers out there who know that their hobby has made them who they are.

Earlier this year, Matthew Ricci told gaming site Kotaku: “If you’re playing EVE Online you basically already have an MBA [Master of Business Administration]”.

Mr Ricci tells the BBC he stands by the sentiment – and Eve players might understand why. Often made fun of in gaming circles as a “spreadsheet simulator”, the economy of the fictional Eve universe is driven by real market principles.

If you want to build a new spaceship, the raw material has to be mined by another player. Manufacturing costs come into effect, and commodities fluctuate in price based on demand and haulage distance.

Mr Ricci, who had always dreamed of being the boss of his own company, ran an in-game corporation comprising hundreds of players.

Eventually, he realised he could transfer his skills to real-life business – instead of doing it for free.

He restructured Zentech, once a taxation vehicle for his father’s business, and it is now in its fourth year helping international brands enter the Canadian market.